Treasury

Economic Situation: Interest Rates

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatsteps they are taking to minimise the impact of changing interest rates on the economic climate.

Baroness Penn: Like other countries the UK faces global economic challenges that contribute to inflation and weigh on growth. High inflation is bad for growth, so sticking to our plan to halve inflation, on the path back to the 2% target, is the right priority to tackle inflation and help the economy grow. The Spring Budget set out an ambitious package of measures to drive economic growth without irresponsibly fueling inflation, and revisions to ONS data show that we recovered from the pandemic far quicker than first thought, growing faster than Germany and France over this period.

Public Sector: Borrowing

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of UK state borrowing; and what steps they are taking in response to any challenges arising from those costs.

Baroness Penn: Responding to compounding shocks has meant that borrowing and debt levels are high by historical standards. In its March forecast, the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, the OBR, forecast spending on debt interest will reach £94.0 billion in 2023-24.  The government is committed to getting debt falling – reducing debt will reduce spending on debt interest that could otherwise be spent on public services, while providing the foundations for sustainable growth. In its March forecast, the OBR confirmed that the Government is on track to deliver this, with underlying debt falling as a percentage of GDP in 2027-28, and borrowing falling year-on-year across the whole five year forecast.

Duty Free Allowances

Baroness Doocey: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the behavioural changes of travellers as a result of the withdrawal of tax-free shopping for international visitors.

Baroness Penn: The Government’s assessment of the anticipated behavioural changes as a result of tax-free shopping (covering the VAT Retail Export Scheme and the airside scheme) was set out in the original policy costing note which can be found in the Policy costings document from November 2020 p42-43. The government followed the same methodology when calculating costings for the 2022 Growth Plan, which can be found in the Growth Plan documents paragraph 4.19 and Table 4.2 from September 2022.Whilst there are no current plans to re-introduce tax-free shopping for international visitors, the government keeps all tax policy under review, and we are very grateful to industry for their contribution to our invitation to provide evidence on this matter.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to extend the mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers.

Baroness Penn: The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (launched in April 2021) continues to support homebuyers and movers with deposits as small as 5%. As of March 2023, the scheme has helped over 37,376 households to buy their homes, 86% of which have been first-time buyers. The Government remains committed to supporting first-time buyers in making home ownership a reality for as many households as possible.

Banks: Fees and Charges

Lord Truscott: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether banks charge fair and reasonable arrangement fees, and of the impact of such fees, combined with restrictive affordability criteria on the affordability of consumer mortgages.

Baroness Penn: The availability and pricing of mortgages, including arrangement fees, is a commercial decision for lenders in which the Government does not intervene. It is important for both lenders and consumers that proper checks are carried out to ensure that borrowers will be well placed to repay the mortgage. Since April 2014 all lenders must now conduct an affordability assessment, which includes a robust income and expenditure analysis that will include a consideration of other debts owed. Lenders must also obtain evidence of that income to support this assessment. The Government remains committed to making the aspiration of homeownership a reality for as many households as possible. We operate a range of schemes that aim to increase the supply of low-deposit mortgages for credit-worthy households, including first-time buyers, increase the availability of new housing, and stimulate economic growth. These include the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which is open until the end of 2023, as well as First Homes and Shared Ownership through the Affordable Homes Programme. The Government also helps first-time buyers to save for a deposit through the Lifetime ISA and Help to Buy: ISA.

Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what are theBarnett consequentials, or share of funding for Northern Ireland, of the additional capital funding for transport projects announced at the Conservative Party Conference.

Baroness Penn: For the Network North transport projects, the Barnett formula will apply when departmental budgets change, not when new or additional funding is announced, as set out in the published Statement of Funding Policy document[1]. All decisions on funding beyond the Spending Review 2021 period will be taken at the next spending review. [1] Statement_of_Funding_Policy_update_Feb_2023.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Levelling Up Fund: Urban Areas

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what criteria they used when selecting the 55 towns that received levelling up funding.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Urban Areas: Regeneration

The Lord Bishop of Bristol: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the Long-Term Plan for Towns on 1 October, what plans they have to develop representation from faith groups on Town Boards.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Churches: Urban Areas

The Lord Bishop of Bristol: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to church buildings in the delivery of the Long-Term Plan for Towns.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Community Land Trusts

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of any benefits gained from increasing the number of community land trusts on the current shortages of housing.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Licensed Premises

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of local authority private sector licensing schemes.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Empty Property: Registration

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask His Majesty's Government whetherthere is a register for empty properties.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Property Development: Environment Protection

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that housing developments adhere to environmental standards, including nutrient neutrality.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Leasehold: Repairs and Maintenance

Lord Young of Cookham: To ask His Majesty's Government when they first knew that the Building Safety Act 2022 removed protection from remediation costs from qualifying leaseholders who extended their lease.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Social Rented Housing: Construction

Lord Birt: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the evidence to support the statement by the Minister for Housing and Planning in an interview with Inside Housing in July that “we’ve got record numbers of social rent homes that have been built”.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Sikhs: Hounslow

Lord Sahota: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the provision of Gurdwaras in Hounslow; and what assessment they have made of the impact on the Gurdwara in Alice Way, Hounslow, of the proposed sale of land owned by the Department for Education that is situated next to it.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Temporary Accommodation: Families

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of social houses that need to be built each year to end temporary accommodation for families and to clear the backlog of local authority housing waiting lists.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Regional Planning and Development: Rural Areas

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Scott of Bybrook on 11 July (HL Deb col 1673), where the rural proofing reports on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill have been published.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what are the Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland for the levelling upfunding that was announced for 55 towns.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Empty Property

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask His Majesty's Government whether there are any circumstances in which a residential home would be considered as empty where the resident has been unable to sell or is long-term sick and hospitalised.

Baroness Swinburne: Properties being sold are not eligible for empty dwellings management orders (EDMOs), nor are the homes of people away from home because they are being cared for in hospital or elsewhere. The full exemptions to EDMOs are set out in guidance available on the Government website and set out a balanced approach between giving local authorities appropriate powers to bring empty homes into use and protecting home owners whose properties may be empty for a period due to personal circumstances.

Empty Property: Offices

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask His Majesty's Government under what circumstances office properties which have been empty for six months or longer will be considered for change of use to qualify for conversion to residential homes.

Baroness Swinburne: A national permitted development right (Class MA) provides for the change of use to residential of offices that have been vacant for a continuous period of at least three months. The permitted development right is subject to prior approval by the local planning authority in respect of particular planning matters, such as flooding and transport, and various limitations. Full details of the permitted development right are set out in legislation: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as amended.A planning application is required for any change of use from an office to residential use that falls outside of the scope of the permitted development right, or where the right has been removed by the local planning authority by making an Article 4 direction. Any planning application will be determined in accordance with the local plan and other material considerations.The Town and Country Planning (pdf, 220.1KB)

Temporary Accommodation: Families

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking toensure that homeless families are not relocated to temporary accommodation in other parts of England which results in them having to change schools.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the impact of temporary housing on the development of young children.

Baroness Swinburne: I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to Question UIN 197285  on 11 September 2023 If a local authority places a household into accommodation in another local area, they are required by law to notify the local authority of any placement, to ensure there is no disruption to schooling or employment.UIN 197285 (pdf, 91.2KB)

Refugees: Ukraine

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: To ask His Majesty's Government, furtherto the National Audit Office’s report Investigation into the Homes for Ukraine scheme, published on17 October, what steps they are taking to improve and expand data on homelessness among Ukrainian refugees who have been part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, given that local authority data returns on scheme homelessness are voluntary.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Women and Equalities

Environment Protection: Equal Pay

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the differences inpay for male and female workers in the climate and natural environment sectors; and whether they have any plans to address the gender pay gap in these sectors.

Baroness Swinburne: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Ministry of Defence

RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler: Deployment

Lord West of Spithead: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered operating the RFA’s Wave Ruler and Knight with the carrier strike group providing partial solid support in the absence of Fort Victoria and until the first Fleet Solid Support Ship comes into service.

Baroness Goldie: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Armed Forces Covenant

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made withthe implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant throughout all parts of the UK.

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government whether military veterans living in Northern Ireland can fully access all provisions of the Armed Forces Covenant available in other parts of the UK.

Baroness Goldie: The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority and provides support to the Armed Forces community across the UK, ensuring that they are treated fairly. This commitment was strengthened in November 2022 with the introduction of a new statutory Covenant Duty. This places a duty of due regard on specific public bodies to ensure they consider the Covenant principles when conducting certain of their functions in healthcare, housing, and education, with the aim of improving outcomes for the Armed Forces community. In addition, over 11,000 organisations have signed pledges in support of the Covenant to the wider benefit of the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant applies equally across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Good progress is being made in delivery of the Covenant in Northern Ireland, though its unique historical and political circumstances mean that delivery of the Covenant has to be approached in a different way to the rest of the UK. The Armed Forces Community in Northern Ireland is currently supported through 38 (Irish) Brigade, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office. These organisations work with government departments, local councils, and the third sector to ensure that serving personnel and veterans, and their families, get the support they need.

Cabinet Office

Surveillance: Companies

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government which surveillance technology companies the Cabinet Office has shared its definition of "sensitive sites" with, as outlined in the Procurement Bill.

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government whether officials have met with Hikvision in the last year to discuss the Procurement Bill; and if so, what was discussed.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Veterans: Finance

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what grant schemes are ringfenced solely for military veterans; and whether those grants are available for all military veterans across the UK.

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what was the total funding provided for grant schemes for military veterans for each of the last five years.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The Office for Veterans’ Affairs, based in the Cabinet Office, administers a range of grant schemes for veterans organisations and charities. These cover support in areas such as health, housing, employment, and combating stress, and are typically available UK wide. The OVA was established in 2019 and has become more established over time, meaning comparable figures for each of the last five years are not available. However, in 2023/24, over £6 million was awarded to veterans organisations and charities.The latest information on the work of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-veterans-affairs

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

People Smuggling: International Cooperation

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussionsthey havehad with the governments of other G7 members or EU countries regarding bringing people-smugglers to justice.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Roderick Drummond

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government what authorisation process was followed in granting permission to the former ambassador to Bahrain, Roderick Drummond, to accept a medal granted and given by the King of Bahrain.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

China: North Korea

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussionsthey have had with the government of South Korea about the fate of North Korean refugees facing forced repatriation to North Korea from China.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Indonesia: Indigenous Peoples

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of police violence against indigenous land rights activists in the Central Kalimantan region, Indonesia; and what representations they have made to the government of Indonesia about these reports.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Development Aid

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 31 July (HL9405), what was the total amount of (1) core, and (2) non-core, financial contributions to (a) the United Nations Population Fund, (b) the International Planned Parenthood Federation, (c) the World Health Organization, (d) UNICEF, (e) UNAIDS, (f) the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and (g) UN Women, in each financial year from 2014 to 2019 inclusive.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Egypt: Religious Freedom

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make representations to the government of Egypt concerning the importance of including the Jewish community in official ceremonies related to the Ben Ezra synagogue and similar historical and cultural landmarks in that country.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Egypt: Religious Freedom

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Egypt in regard to the right of access and freedom of worship in the newly restored and historically significant Ben Ezra Synagogue in that country.

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to make representations to the government of Egypt concerning the importance of including the Jewish community in official ceremonies related to the Ben Ezra synagogue and similar historical and cultural landmarks in that country.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Biodiversity

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what support they have provided to the Three Basins Summit in Congo-Brazzaville; and what plans they have to assist the implementation of policies arising from this summit.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

EU Law: Fines

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government whatis the total amount of fines that have been imposed by European courts on the UK for breaches of EU law and regulations since 2019.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Refugee Convention

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made at the UN Human Rights Council about countries which fail to honour their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

EU Law

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government which cases against His Majesty’s Government for breaches of EU law and regulations are currently ongoing.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Cyprus: Islamophobia

Lord Wharton of Yarm: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking as a Guarantor Power on Cyprus to work with relevant authorities to tackle the sharp increase inIslamophobic attacks against Turkish Cypriots in the Republic of Cyprus.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Russia: Prisoners of War

Lord Stunell: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK citizens taken prisoner while fighting in Ukraine are being treated in compliance with the provisions of the Geneva Convention.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Egypt: Religious Freedom

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for religious freedom of the removal by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities of a geniza, a resting place for discarded documents containing the name of God, from a Jewish burial ground in Cairo without guarantee of access for the Jewish community.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Cyprus: Missing Persons

Lord Wharton of Yarm: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to provide practical or financial assistance (1) to the President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in relation to their work on missing persons, and (2) to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Afghanistan: Earthquakes

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their understanding of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, following the series of strong earthquakes in Herat province since 7 October; and what aid they are providing following the World Food Program in Afghanistan’s appeal for $19 million to assist the more than 100,000 people affected.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Anniversaries

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Human Rights 75 initiative, on 10 December.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

China: Trade Agreements

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of British businessmen imprisoned in China such asPeter Humphrey, and whether they draw attention to his case and that of Jimmy Lai when encouraging British businesses to trade with China.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

China

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) China’s compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, in particular any infringement on the autonomy of Hong Kong, (2) the treatment of the Uyghurs in China and whether this amounts to genocide, (3) the sanctioning of UK parliamentarians by China, and (4) allegations of intelligence operatives placed by the government of China in the UK Parliament; and whether they have considered any such assessment before deciding on a resumption of JETCO talks.

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the government of China that they recommit to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, remove sanctions on UK parliamentarians, release the more than a million incarcerated Uyghurs, and commit to non-interference with UK democracy, in advance of the resumption of JETCO talks.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: China remains in an ongoing state of non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Hong Kong has retained some economic autonomy however actions by the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, including the imposition of the National Security Law, continue to erode civil and political rights.On 18 October, the UK led a UN Third Committee joint statement on behalf of 51 countries, urging China to end its human rights violations in Xinjiang. Any judgement as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for judicial decision.On espionage allegations, it would be inappropriate to comment on the Metropolitan Police's live investigation.During his recent visit to China, the Foreign Secretary raised Xinjiang, Hong Kong and made clear that Chinese sanctions against British Parliamentarians are unacceptable and pressed for them to be lifted.The UK Government has not made any decision on JETCO.

British Overseas Territories: Cybersecurity

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton: To ask His Majesty's Government what supportthey are offering each of the British Overseas Territories in building cyber-resilience, broken down by territory.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Since 2019 HMG has been working with British Overseas Territories to build cyber resilience. Cyber risk reviews have been completed in six British Overseas Territories (Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St Helena and Turks and Caicos Islands) with two more scheduled this financial year. The UK has also established an Overseas Territories cyber community which provides access to expertise and specialist training from the UK.

Palestinians: Development Aid

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the breakdown of aid spend by Government departments to the Palestinian Authority in the past 10 years.

Baroness Altmann: To ask His Majesty's Government what information they hold about how aid money given to the Palestinian Authority in the 10 years is spent.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Following Official Development Assistance (ODA) prioritisation exercises undertaken in March 2021, the UK no longer provides direct financial aid to the Palestinian Authority. All UK support to the Palestinian Authority is provided through technical advice, procured through commercial suppliers.The FCDO aid budget is allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate. There is a robust framework in place for allocating ODA. Data on ODA spend in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is available on DevTracker (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/countries/PS). More than 80 per cent of our ODA spend this year of UK support will be used to meet humanitarian need, or to provide vital health, education, and protection services for Palestinian Refugees.

China: North Korea

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what new information they have concerning the fate of North Korean refugees facing forced repatriation to North Korea from China.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of reports of North Korean refugees being forcefully repatriated to North Korea. Due to the closed nature of the regime in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of the many reports of serious and wide-ranging human rights violations in the country. We emphasise directly to the Chinese authorities that they should not be forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees where they face danger of imprisonment and further human rights abuses. The UK actively promotes the implementation of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. At the 17 August UN Security Council meeting on the human rights situation in the DPRK, the UK called on all states to abide by the principle of non-refoulement.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Food Supply

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the food security situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are giving to the World Food Programme and other humanitarian agencies operating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Recent violent conflict in DRC and a protracted humanitarian crisis have led to record levels of displacement, food insecurity and suffering. In addition, climate shocks are impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and fishing, increasing food prices (which on average have increased by 11.6 per cent), poverty levels and resulting in a deterioration of basic infrastructure. In response to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, the UN's System Wide Scale Up has been extended for another 3 months. The UK welcomes the scale up and urges for more resources and action from the DRC Government and other international partners. A 3-year £98 million UK funded humanitarian and resilience programme for crisis affected communities in eastern DRC where the food security needs are the highest has recently been improved. This will be implemented by a range of partners including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and SAFER (an INGO consortium), to address the immediate needs and build the resilience of conflict affected communities.

Zimbabwe: Elections

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had at ministerial level with Southern African Development Community(SADC) counterparts regarding the recall of a number of opposition members of the Zimbabwe parliament and senators, following the August Harmonised Elections, which were judged by the SADC Election Observer Mission to have fallen "short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021)".

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are in regular ministerial level discussions with our Southern African Development Community (SADC) counterparts on a range of issues, in Harare and across the region. We have not discussed the issue the Noble Lord raises with SADC counterparts.

Jimmy Lai

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of callsby the government of the USA, the EU Parliament and United Nations Special Rapporteurs for the release from prison in Hong Kong of the British citizen Jimmy Lai.

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government why they have not called for the release from prison in Hong Kong of the British citizen Jimmy Lai, and under what circumstances they would do so.

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they will give the continuing imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai and other democracy advocates in Hong Kong in deciding toresume discussions in theUK–China Joint Economic and Trade Commission.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As the Foreign Secretary outlined in the latest Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong, Mr Lai and others have been targeted by the Hong Kong authorities under the guise of national security and his case is highly politicised. The Foreign Secretary raised Mr Lai's case and China's ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on 31 August during his visit to China. Senior officials have and will continue to raise cases such as Mr Lai's with the Hong Kong authorities. We continue to press for consular access to Mr Lai and diplomats at our Consulate-General in Hong Kong attend Mr Lai's court proceedings. We will continue to bring our international partners together to shine a light on the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, including on individual cases such as Mr Lai's. In September, the UK led a side event at the UN Human Rights Council on media freedom in Hong Kong, supported by 24 other countries. The UK Government has not made any decision on the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Armed Conflict

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the sources of funding and support for the M23 armed group and its role in the displacement of approximately one million people in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to monitor the security situation in eastern DRC. The consequences of the conflict are immediate and severe and are resulting in large scale human displacement and humanitarian suffering. We welcome the comprehensive reports issued by the UN Group of Experts (GoE) on the DRC - we stand behind the GoE and the critical work they do. We note the human rights abuses and the violations of international humanitarian law by armed groups, including M23, as documented in the report and we call for an end to all external support to armed groups. We continue to urge all parties to the conflict to honour commitments made during regional peace process meetings, including the cessation of hostilities and agreed withdrawal by M23. We are fully supportive of the work carried out by the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and note their vital work in providing protection for many of those displaced. The UK firmly believes the regional Nairobi and Luanda diplomatic peace processes provide the best means by which to achieve a lasting peace in eastern DRC and offer them our full support.

Ecuador: Foreign Relations

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what practical steps they intend to take to strengthen bilateral relations with Ecuador, and in particular whether they intend to arrange UK ministerial meetings with new president-elect Daniel Noboa.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK and Ecuador have an excellent bilateral relationship, and we work closely on issues including the environment and climate, their fight against drugs and organised crime, and on the United Nations Security Council. Our Ambassador to Ecuador has talked with President-elect Noboa about our relationship and the opportunities it affords. We will continue to work to strengthen our relationship with Ecuador with the new President and his government once in place, including through ministerial meetings as appropriate.

Development Aid: Health Services

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government whether, following the recent recommendation by the World Health Organization on the R21 malaria vaccine, they intend to provide sufficient funding to (1) Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, (2) the Global Fund toFight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and (3) Unitaid, over their next funding cycles to ensure that vaccines and other life-saving tools can be delivered at scale.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the development of a malaria vaccine by the Oxford-based Jenner Institute will have on saving lives around the world.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK welcomed the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation on 2 October 2023 of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine for the prevention of malaria in children. We supported the decision by the Gavi board in December 2021 to launch a malaria vaccine programme, including with support through the UK's contribution to Gavi, and look forward to Gavi supporting the future rollout of R21 once Pre-Qualified by WHO. The UK's £1.65 billion funding from 2021 to 2025 to Gavi will immunise 75 million children and save up to 2 million lives from vaccine preventable diseases, including malaria. Our £1 billion pledge to the 7th replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will help to distribute 86 million mosquito nets and provide malaria treatment and care for 18 million people. UK support to Unitaid will help countries to optimise the introduction of new malaria prevention tools and help to ensure that malaria medicines and tools are affordable and accessible for all.

Falkland Islands: Tourism

Lord Patten: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of thetourism industry in the Falkland Islands and its territorial waters.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: As a self-governing Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, management of the tourism industry is the prerogative of the Falkland Islands Government and their local elected leaders. According to statistics published by the Falkland Islands Tourism Board, there were over 60,000 tourists arriving on the Falkland Islands, drawn by the Territory's many attractions, including its unique wildlife and history. The UK Government's provision of sufficient COVID-19 vaccines to the Falkland Islands to protect the whole community helped support the Falkland Islanders safe reopening of the islands for leisure travel and we continue to support Falkland Islanders in representing their home overseas, for example at Expo Prado in Montevideo in September 2023.

Zimbabwe: Political Prisoners

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Zimbabwe about the continued detention of Jacob Ngarivhume and Job Sikhala MP in Chikurubi maximum security prison and what assessment it has made of reports that Job Sikhala is now seriously ill.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to monitor the ongoing detention of former MP Job Sikhala, and notes the conviction of Jacob Ngarivhume on 27 April for inciting the public to commit violence. The Minister of State for Africa and Development raised the trend of lengthy pre-trial detention of government critics in Zimbabwe- and the case of Job Sikhala specifically - with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa when they met in the margins of His Majesty the King's Coronation in May. Mr Sikhala received medical attention for his recent illness on 9 October.

Gaza: Electricity

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the restoration of Gaza’s electricity supply and other recently imposed restrictions on Gaza by Israel.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Israel: International Law

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to monitorIsrael's compliance with obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Hamas: Hostage Taking

Lord Shinkwin: To ask His Majesty's Government what stepsthey are taking to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, potentially including UK citizens.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gaza: Civilians

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning its instruction for people in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south of the Gaza strip.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gaza: Peace Negotiations

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support a ceasefire in Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Israel: Arms Trade

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are reviewing the licensing of sales of arms and security equipment to Israel.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Israel: White Phosphorus

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any use by Israel of white phosphorous in Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gaza and Israel: International Law

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received on the principles of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities in Israel and Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gaza and Israel: International Law

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the principles of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities in Israel and Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gaza: Armed Conflict

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatsteps they will take to support international justice and accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court investigation into the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in respect of any instances of alleged atrocities during the current conflict in Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what long-term plansthey have to address the root causes of conflict in the Middle East in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Sudan: USA

The Lord Bishop of Leeds: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the US Senate’s decision to appoint a Presidential envoy to Sudan, given the current security situation in that country, what plans they have to appoint a special envoy to Sudan.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Department for Education

Special Educational Needs: Pupil Exclusions

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government how many children in each of the last three years had anEducation, Health and Care Plan and were permanently excluded from school.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Pupils: Absenteeism

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what researchthey have carried out or commissioned to investigate the reported increase in absenteeism by pupils from schools.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Foster Care

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government how many local authorities no longer have fostering placements in their area.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

T-levels

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the estimated percentage of students taking the T Level qualification in the academic year 2022/23 who did not complete the qualification.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Qualifications: Finance

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Ministerial Statement by Baroness Barran, published on 19 October (HLWS1062), that 32 Advanced Qualifications with high levels of student enrolment are to be defunded from August 2025, how many of these qualifications (1) already have T Level equivalents operating across the whole of England, and (2) will have a relevant T Level Foundation year in place by 2025.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

T-levels

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what advice is given to students who did not complete their T Level qualification in the academic year 2022/23 in order to support them into alternative academic qualifications or apprenticeships.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Qualifications

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the estimated number of qualifications that will have to be approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Qualification for commencement of teaching in the academic year 2025/26, as a result of the defunding of alternative routes to advance qualification; and what is the current waiting time for the approval of such qualifications.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Educational Visits: France

Baroness Doocey: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in theeasing of the documentary requirements for school groups travelling to France as committed to in the UK–France Joint Leaders’ Declaration of 10 March.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Children: Health Services and Social Services

Lord Warner: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made with the establishment of pilot schemes to assess the feasibility of introducing a common identifier for children across health, care, and education services.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Qualifications

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government of the 9,800 students who have enrolled on the T Level foundation year since its inception, what percentage (1) progressed onto A Levels, (2) progressed onto T levels, (3) embarked onto an apprenticeship, (4) progressed onto BTECs and/or other Applied General Qualifications, or (5) have no known progression data.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Qualifications

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what advanced routes to qualification will still exist from autumn 2025 for students who do not progress to the T Level Foundation Year, T levels or A-levels, relating to specific qualifications at Advanced Level 3 that they envisage will still be funded from that time.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Pupils: Transgender People

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Barran on 1 August (HL 9704), what is the latest date by which they will publish their draft guidance onwhether teachers may refer to pupils by their legal and biological gender.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Department for Education: Public Speaking

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government who approved the vetting of the social media profiles of speakers due to speak at events run by the Department for Education; and what was the purpose of such vetting.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Department for Education: Public Speaking

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what are the costs to date of the (1) resources, and (2) staff, spent on education experts' social media accounts vetting at the Department for Education.

Baroness Barran: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Pupils: Attendance

The Lord Bishop of Leicester: To ask His Majesty's Government what the school attendance rates are in (1) Leicester, (2) Leicestershire, and (3) nationally, broken down in each case by (a) primary, (b) secondary, and (c) special schools; and how these rates have changed since 2019.

Baroness Barran: The department publishes national statistics on pupil absence from schools in England. Figures covering the full academic year are available up to 2021/22. Figures for Leicester, Leicestershire and England from 2018/19 to 2021/22 are available in attachment table 1.Since September 2022 the department has also published attendance statistics based on daily data collected from schools that are signed up to do so. These are not directly comparable with the national statistics but are intended to provide an early indicator. Figures for Leicester, Leicestershire and England for 2022/23 are available in attachment table 2. Data table 1 (xlsx, 11.2KB)Data table 2 (xlsx, 11.4KB)

Schools: Industrial Disputes

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to introduceminimum service level requirements for teachers to ensure that children do not miss time in the classroom due to industrial action.

Baroness Barran: The Government remains committed to ensuring that children and young people are not disadvantaged because of any future strike action. Cumulatively, over 25 million school days have been lost over ten strike days in schools alone. Disruption caused by strike action has only compounded the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young peoples’ education. On Friday 20 October, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced her intention to pursue Minimum Service Levels in education. In the first instance, the Department will look to proceed through voluntary agreement. The Secretary of State has written to education unions inviting them to discuss minimum service levels proposals in the hope an agreement can be reached on a voluntary basis.If an agreement cannot be reached, the Secretary of State will use powers within The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, which allows her to make regulations to set minimum service levels in education services in the event of strike action. At such a time, the Department will launch a consultation on how minimum service levels could be implemented. This will build on the consultation in higher education announced on 2 October 2023.Either through voluntary agreements or legislation, the Department will introduce minimum service levels to protect children and students from disruption to their education during periods of industrial action.

GCE A-level and T-levels

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have hadwith the education departments of the devolvedadministrations concerning the proposedreplacement of A-level and T-level qualifications.

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had withuniversities and further education colleges concerning the proposed replacement of A-level and T-level qualifications.

Baroness Barran: The department regularly engages with the devolved administrations across a range of issues. On the Advanced British Standard, we have engaged at both official and Ministerial level following its announcement and look forward to continuing engagement through the formal consultation and beyond.The department has also engaged with a number of groups following the announcement, including the Russell Group, the Association of Colleges and Universities UK, and look forward to ongoing engagement with universities and further education colleges on the Advanced British Standard through the formal consultation and beyond.

Children: Protection

Lord Hampton: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to confirming final updates to their statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education: statutory guidance for schools and colleges, in the summer term of the academic year with effect from 1 September of the next academic year to enable schools (1) to update their safeguarding policies, and (2) implement staff training, in readiness for 1 September when the statutory guidance becomes effective.

Baroness Barran: The department’s guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), is updated annually in the summer term, for information to enable schools and colleges to plan for the commencement of the guidance in September.For 2023, KCSIE was published for information on 6 June 2023, with a final version with only minor changes published on 1 September 2023.

Teaching Regulation Agency

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: To ask His Majesty's Government who sits on the senior management board of the Teaching Regulation Agency; how are its members appointed; and on what basis do they make decisions regarding teacher misconduct.

Baroness Barran: The Teaching Regulation Agency’s (TRA) Senior Leadership Team (SLT) sit on the TRA Executive Board. The TRA SLT includes the Chief Executive and Senior Managers who lead the two operational units within TRA. Board members are not formally appointed as they are existing civil servants employed by the TRA. The purpose of the Board is to develop and monitor the strategic planning, risk management and leadership priorities of the Agency. An independent Professional Conduct Panel, appointed under the Public Appointments process, hear cases of serious teacher misconduct. The independent Professional Conduct Panel determine whether the evidence proves unacceptable professional conduct, conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute, or a conviction of a relevant offence. If so, the Professional Conduct Panel will make a recommendation to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education on whether to prohibit the individual from teaching. Following recommendation, the decision to impose a prohibition order is taken by a member of the TRA SLT, on behalf of the Secretary of State. Individual cases and decisions are not discussed at the TRA Executive Board.

Education: Culture

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their definition of "cultural education" as referred to in the published terms of reference for theCultural Education Plan Expert Advisory Panel.

Baroness Barran: The published terms of reference for the cultural education plan expert advisory panel, sets out that cultural education sits at the heart of an enriching and fulfilling curriculum for pupils. A broad and balanced curriculum includes arts and heritage in the range of subjects taught, and in wider co and extracurricular activities.The breadth and depth of cultural education is demonstrated by, but not exclusive to, the following: visual arts, music, craft, dance, design, digital arts and gaming, drama and theatre, film and cinema, galleries, heritage, libraries, literature and poetry, live performance, museums, and archaeology, architecture and the built environment, and archives.This plan will focus on how the department can support access and participation in a wide range of arts subjects and activities, particularly for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and in underrepresented groups. It will also further support young people who wish to pursue careers in our creative, cultural, and heritage industries.

Asylum: Children

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the provision of specialist foster care for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children across the UK.

Baroness Barran: The department recognise that local authorities across the country want to recruit more foster carers to provide loving homes for the children in their care, including for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). The government is investing over £27 million in this parliament in a fostering recruitment and retention programme that will support local authorities to ensure that there are more foster carers available for the children who need them, including UASC. This will include a recruitment support hub which will work alongside a regional recruitment campaign to drive interest and enquiries in fostering. This may include specialist support and targeted campaigns to recruit specialist foster carers who are able to care for UASC. The department will work with regions to look at their local data to inform where efforts need to be targeted. This could include sibling groups, teenagers and UASC.UASC are transferred to the care of local authorities through the National Transfer Scheme, ensuring their care is distributed fairly across the UK. Local authorities have a duty to accommodate all UASC who arrive in their area and these children are entitled to the same protections and support as any other looked-after child, which includes ensuring decisions about their care and accommodation, including where UASC are placed in foster care, are made with the best interests of each individual child.

Universities

Baroness Wolf of Dulwich: To ask His Majesty's Government whichinstitutions have received university title since 2018; what their titles are; when each received university title; what they were called before they received university title; and where each is located.

Baroness Barran: According to the Office for Students (OfS) Register, nine providers have been granted the right to use ‘university’ in their title since 2018. The OfS Register is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/the-register/the-ofs-register/#/.Information regarding these providers’ legal names, their trading names, their contact addresses, and the year the use of the word ‘university’ was granted, has been extracted from the OfS Register and is included in the table below.  Information on the names of providers prior to them receiving their university title is not available on the OfS register, but is included in the table.Provider’s legal nameProvider’s trading name(s)Previous name  [not included on OfS Register]Provider’s contact addressDate use of 'university' grantedSt. George's Hospital Medical SchoolSt. George's, University of LondonSt. George's Hospital Medical SchoolSt. George's Hospital Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE United Kingdom2022Royal Holloway and Bedford New CollegeRoyal Holloway, University of LondonRoyal Holloway and Bedford New CollegeEgham Hill Egham Surrey TW20 0EX United Kingdom2022Arts University PlymouthArts University PlymouthPlymouth College of ArtTavistock Place Plymouth Devon PL4 8AT United Kingdom2022The London School of Economics and Political ScienceNot applicableThe London School of Economics and Political ScienceHoughton Street London WC2A 2AE United Kingdom2022Ravensbourne University LondonNot applicableRavensbourne College of Design and Communication6 Penrose Way London SE10 0EW United Kingdom2018BIMM University LimitedBIMM University BIMM Institute of Contemporary Theatre Northern Ballet School Performers College Screen & Film SchoolBIMM Institute2 Bartholomew’s Brighton Sussex BN1 1HG United Kingdom2022Hartpury UniversityNot applicableHartpury CollegeHartpury House  Hartpury  Gloucestershire  GL19 3BE United Kingdom2019Northeastern University – LondonNortheastern University London New College of the HumanitiesNew College of the HumanitiesDevon House 58 St Katherine's Way London E1W 1LP United Kingdom2022Regent's University London LimitedRegent's University LondonRegent's CollegeInner Circle Regent’s Park London NW1 4NS United Kingdom2020

Private Tutors

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total number of tutoring providers in England.

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of tutoring providers for children in England not being required to be registered.

Baroness Barran: The Government does not collect or hold data on the number of tutoring providers in England. Many tutoring providers are eligible to register with Ofsted on the General Childcare Register and are subject to scrutiny as a result. The Department would encourage all settings that may register with Ofsted to do so

Department of Health and Social Care

NHS: Standards

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the sharing of best practice in the provision of NHS services, including between (1) services in England, and (2) services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

NHS: Drugs

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have undertaken in each of the past five years of the NHS's spending on hospital-prescribed medications.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion: Drugs

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government how many patients have been referred to specialist services where independent abortion providers have reason to suspect someone has experienced abuse prior to, and including their having accessed, at-home medical abortion, in each quarter since March 2020.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what COVID-19vaccine availability there will be for private health care for groups such as (1) children, and (2) other categories not specifically prioritised for government roll out, in 2024.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Health Services: Children

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of any benefits gained from children's housing situations being tracked on the healthcare system to the adequacy of their healthcare.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion: Drugs

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of staff training aimed at recognising the signs of potential abuse and coercion arising from at-home medical abortion.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Vaccination: Take-up

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what research they are undertaking to determine the reasons for vaccine hesitancy amongst communities or sections of society with traditionally low take-up; and what steps they are undertaking to combat such hesitancy.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion: Drugs

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Markham on 25 July (HL8598), why the HSA4 form does not capture complications arising after the time of discharge for either at-home medical abortion or other patients.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion: Drugs

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Markham on 24 August (HL9115), what are the (1) aims, and (2) terms of reference, of the departmental project to better understand the data collected in clinical settings in respect of the HSA4 forms for recording complications arising from medical terminations; and when the impact of this project will be measured and evaluated.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to make COVID-19 vaccines available for children in 2024.

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to roll out COVID-19vaccines for (1) different age categories, (2) and other vulnerable groups, in 2024; and what are the planned schedules for each group.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Draft Mental Health Bill

Baroness Berridge: To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to introduce a Mental Health Bill,as proposed by the then Prime Minister in May 2017.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Mental Health: Girls

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Children’s Society’s The Good Childhood Report 2023, published on 20 September, whether they will investigate any change in the proportion of female children and young people who are unhappy with their lives as a whole, and in particular their appearance

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Transgender People: Young People

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that young people considering gender transition have adequate access to information about long-term health effects of gender reassignment surgery and drugs.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Patients

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Markham on 9 October (HL10239),what guidancethey have issued to the NHS to prevent the removal of language in relation to biological sex and women in view of the potential for unintended adverse health consequences.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Members: Correspondence

Lord Rooker: To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to reply to the letter from Lord Rooker toLord Markham of 24 August regarding the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and folic acid.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government how many breaches of the Care Quality Commission’s Termination of Pregnancy Framework as applied to independent providers have been (1) recorded, and (2) acted on, by the Care Quality Commission in each quarter since March 2020.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Viral Diseases: Artificial Intelligence

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the Nature article Learning from prepandemic data to forecast viralescape, published on 11 October, about the use of artificial intelligence as a tool to predict virus variants and aid in vaccine developments.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Integrated Care Boards: Procurement

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government, in relation to the High Court decision in Consultant Connect Limited v NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board [2022] EWHC 2037 (TCC), whether those integrated care boards conducted a “lessons learnt” reviewrelating to matters raised in that case.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Gloucestershire Integrated Care System: Procurement

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government whenGloucestershire integrated care board’s review of “detailed lessons learnt” from its procurement process will be published.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Integrated Care Boards: Procurement

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take, following the High Court’s decision in Consultant Connect Limited v NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board [2022] EWHC 2037 (TCC), to ensure that procurement processes are followed properly by integrated care boards and without “considerable organisational bias”.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Integrated Care Boards: Procurement

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prevent commissioners from manipulating procurement processes in the NHS, following the High Court’s decision in Consultant Connect Limited v NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board [2022] EWHC 2037 (TCC).

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prostate Cancer: Screening

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government what data is being collected on the detection rates of prostate cancer in the pilot programme for early detection of prostate cancer using mobile health clinics funded by NHS England for men at highest risk of prostate cancer, in particular (1) Black men, and (2) men with a family history of prostate cancer; and how this data is being shared with the National Screening Committee.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prostate Cancer: Screening

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government how the clinically significant cancer detection rates in the pilot programme for early detection of prostate cancer using mobile health clinics funded by NHS England compare to the detection rates in existing prostate cancer screening programmes.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prostate Cancer: Screening

Baroness Merron: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made with thepilot programme for early detection of prostate cancer using mobile health clinics funded by NHS England and developed by the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the Institute of Cancer Research and RM Partners West London Cancer Alliance.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prescription Drugs

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government what recent analysis they have undertaken of the approval thresholds used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to approve new medications.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

NHS: Drugs

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the finding in the report by the London School of Economics and Political SciencePromoting population health through pharmaceutical policy: The role of the UK Voluntary Scheme, published in June, thatthe NHS are exceeding spending predictions on hospital-prescribed medications; and what steps they are taking in response.

Lord Markham: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Home Office

Abortion: Clinics

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government when they propose to bring into force section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, which provides for a safe buffer zone around abortion clinics.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Surveillance: China

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take in response to the findings of Professor Fraser Sampson, the former independent biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner, that the police estate in the UK is “shot through” with Chinese surveillance equipment.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Asylum: Biometrics

Baroness Hamwee: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and any other ‘scientific methods’ as provided for by the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Hikvision: CCTV

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the installation of Hikvision cameras being positioned in UK police stations.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Slavery

Lord McColl of Dulwich: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding on 13 September (HC197778), how specifically the £37 million Modern Slavery Fund has been spent.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Sex Establishments: Regulation

Lord Shipley: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend temporary event notice regulations to enable the banning of sexual entertainment venues by local authorities in England and Wales.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Terrorism

Lord Patten: To ask His Majesty's Government how they define the terms (1) ‘terrorist’ and (2) ‘terrorism’.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Money Laundering

Lord Oates: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have plans to increase funding to agencies charged with countering international corruption in order to deliver on the commitment in the Integrated Review Refresh to "close down London as a centre for corrupt elites to launder money and enhance their reputations".

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Abortion: Demonstrations

Baroness Sugg: To ask His Majesty's Government, following Royal Assent to the Public Order Act 2023 on 2 May, when safe access zones will be implemented around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any potential benefits of extending Homes for Ukraine visas beyond three years.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: In line with the situation in Ukraine, working closely with the Ukrainian Government, as well as our international counterparts, we keep the need for a possible extension of UK sanctuary, beyond March 2025, under consistent review.The UK Government stands with Ukraine and firmly believes that Ukraine will be safe again. When it’s safe to do so, Ukraine will need the repatriation of its citizens to help recover and rebuild their economy and infrastructure.  Our approach therefore has been to provide 36 months sanctuary under our Ukraine visas which are temporary and do not lead to settlement.We are, however, also mindful that permission will start to expire, for the first arrivals under our Ukrainian schemes, from March 2025, and their need for certainty beyond that point to help them to plan ahead, for example if remaining in the UK, entering into rental agreements and living here independently.

Airports: Racial Discrimination

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatsteps they are taking to prevent racial profiling in airports.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: Border Force cannot comment on behalf of other security and policing authorities at Airports.The Immigration Rules require all arriving passengers to establish their eligibility for admission. Every passenger’s passport or national identity card is checked electronically and there are also times when extra checks are conducted.

Asylum: Housing

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government what impact assessment was carried out for the policy to start the 28-day move-on period from when a person receives a refugee grant letter, instead of when they receive their Biometric Residence Permit.

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government for how many people has the 28-day move-on period commenced from the date they received a refugee grant letter rather than when they received a Biometric Residence Permit.

Lord Murray of Blidworth: The impact assessment which you have requested is for internal use and is not routinely published.Following the service of an asylum decision, an individual continues to be an asylum seeker for the purpose of asylum support until the end of the relevant prescribed period, also known as the ‘grace period’ or ‘move on period’. This period is 28 calendar days from when an individual is notified of a decision to accept their asylum claim and grant them leave. This period remains as 28 days and there are no plans to change this. This means that all individuals who receive a positive decision on their asylum claim are eligible to support and accommodation for at least 28 days from when their decision is served.Confirmation of the exact date an individual’s support and accommodation is due to end is issued in a ‘notice to quit’ (NTQ) or ‘notice to vacate’ (NTV) letter. This will either be at least 7 days from when the notice is issued, or the date on which the grace period comes to an end, whichever is the greatest. This means that where an individuals’ grace period has passed and they are issued an NTQ/NTV, they will remain eligible to support and accommodation for at least another 7 days. A NTQ /NTV will only be issued once a person has been issued a biometric residence permit (BRP).Individuals should make plans to move on from asylum support as soon as they are served their asylum decision, regardless of when their BRP or NTQ/NTV is issued. We offer support to all individuals through Migrant Help or their partner organisation in doing this. This includes providing advice on accessing the labour market, on applying for Universal Credit and signposting to local authorities for assistance with housing. Newly recognised refugees are entitled to housing assistance from their local authority and are treated as a priority need if they have children or are considered vulnerable. Individuals do not need to wait for their BRP to make a claim for benefits and are encouraged to do so as early as possible if they require them.We are ensuring our cross government partners, such as the (DWP) and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) are sighted on data to enable them to consider the impacts of increased decision making and effectively plan.  We are also working with DLUHC to ensure the right asylum decision data is being shared with local authorities to enable effective planning and to lessen the impact on existing homelessness and rough sleeping pressures. Our accommodation providers are directly working with local authorities to notify them when an individual is due to have their asylum support ended.

Department for Business and Trade

Foreign Investment in UK

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what support and guidance they are providing to businesses investing in the UK to inform their long-term planning.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Trade Agreements: South Korea

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whatplans they havetostrengthen theUK's trade deal with South Korea; and what steps they intend to take to maximise the benefits of that deal.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Trusts: Land

Lord Agnew of Oulton: To ask His Majesty's Government how manytitles to UK land are held by an overseas entity that is acting as a trustee, whether nominee or otherwise; and of these trusts (1) how many separate trusts are associated with those titles, (2) how many are registered with HMRC under the Trust Registration Service, and (3) of the trusts registered with HMRC under that Service, how many are taxable.

The Earl of Minto: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Electric Vehicles: Batteries

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to boost UK battery production for electric cars.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Exports: EU Countries

Viscount Waverley: To ask His Majesty's Government what were the UK's export figures to the EU for (1) 2022, and (2) 2019; and what, if any, estimates they have made of figures for 2022 if the UK had remained in the EU.

Lord Offord of Garvel: The latest revised figures from the ONS show that UK exports of goods and services to the EU totalled £344 billion in 2022, this is up 15% in current prices compared to 2019 (£299 billion). Since leaving the EU, we have agreed trade deals with 73 countries and the EU, UK exports to the world totalled £834 billion in 2022, this is up 18% in current prices compared to 2019 (£707 billion).

Postal Workers: Vacancies

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with Royal Mail about ways of addressing its labour shortages.

The Earl of Minto: Operational decisions, including staffing and recruitment policies, are a matter for Royal Mail as a private business. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s operational or commercial decisions.

Off-payroll Working

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the growth of umbrella companies, and (2) the ability of the staff of those companies, to demonstrate continuous service and accrue employee benefits and employment rights.

The Earl of Minto: The government has undertaken a significant amount of work on umbrella companies in recent years. After analysing the results of a call for evidence on umbrella companies which ran from November 2021 to February 2022, the government published a joint consultation to seek views on options to regulate umbrella companies for employment rights and to tackle tax non-compliance. The consultation closed on 29 August 2023. We are now considering the views and evidence received to inform our decision about how to proceed. We will publish a summary of responses and our next steps in due course.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Plants: Northern Ireland

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government whether under the regulations arising out of the Windsor Framework individual consumers can purchase and have delivered to Northern Ireland plants and trees from Great Britain, as opposed to the import of plants and trees being restricted to registered professional operators based in Northern Ireland.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Fishing Catches: Prosecutions

Lord Teverson: To ask His Majesty's Government how many prosecutions have taken place in relation to illegal discarding since the introduction of the fishing landing obligation.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Water: Conservation

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government on what basis the Environmental Improvement Plan targets to reduce leakage by 20 per cent by 2027, 30 per cent by 2032, and by 50 per cent 2050, were made.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Fishing Catches

Lord Teverson: To ask His Majesty's Government how many tonnes of fish above quota have been landed by fishers as a result of the landing obligation; and what percentage of total landings this represents.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Water: Conservation

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government on what basis the Environmental Improvement Plan targets for non-household water use to reduce by nine per cent by 2038 and 15 per cent by 2050 were made.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Fishing Catches

Lord Teverson: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the fishing landing obligation on discard reduction.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Water Treatment: Drugs

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the value of retrofitting existing wastewater treatment infrastructure to sequester small molecule pharmaceutical pollution such as antibiotics; and what plans, if any, they have to do so.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Water: Conservation

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government on what basis the Environmental Improvement Plan targets for water companies to reduce per capita consumption by nine per cent by 2027, 14 per cent by 2032, and 20 per cent by 2038, until average use is 110 litres per day by 2050, were determined.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Environment Protection

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government how they decided on 2050 as the final deadline for the Environmental Improvement Plan.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Electrical Goods

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the future (1) production, and (2) sale, of small electrical items; what progress has been made on the implementation of the "producer-pays" principle for such items; and what steps they are taking to increase recycling of these items, in particular those that remain unused in storage.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Environment Protection: Staff

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of staffing levels across the climate and natural environment sectors, including (1) the Environment Agency, and (2) Natural England.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Sustainable Farming Incentive

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government how many applications have been received for the Sustainable Farming Incentive since its rollout in August 2023, and how many payments have been made under that scheme.

Lord Benyon: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Environment Protection: Staff

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the numbers of specialised staff working in the climate and natural environment sectors; and what assessment they have made of any risks arising from skilled staff transferring to other sectors.

Lord Benyon: The Government recognises the challenges to ensuring a skilled workforce to achieve Net Zero and our environmental goals and targets. We have committed to publishing a Green Jobs Plan in 2024, which we are currently working with employers to develop through the Green Jobs Delivery Group. The Plan will outline actions to support the upskilling and retention of staff with specialist climate and environmental skills to develop a skilled and sufficiently sized workforce. To inform this Plan, we have been undertaking workforce assessments for key sectors, engaging with industry leads to understand the cross-cutting themes, shortages and skills gaps related to the needs of the Net Zero and Nature workforce.

Department for Work and Pensions

State Retirement Pensions: Canada

Lord Wasserman: To ask His Majesty's Government, why UK state pensioners resident in Canada do not receive an annual pension increase; what assessment they have made of whether, in the light of the annual pension increases received by UK state pensioners in the USA and other counties, UK state pensioners resident in Canada should also receive such an increase; and what plans they have to provide such an increase to UK state pensioners resident in Canada.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Universal Credit: Refugees

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of newly recognised refugees to apply for Universal Credit and receive a first payment within the 28-day move-on period.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Asylum Support is available to asylum seekers through the Home Office whilst their status is under consideration. This support continues for 28 days after refugee status is granted. A claim to Universal Credit can be made immediately once refugee status is granted and Asylum Support is not deducted from the Universal Credit award during the 28 days period. Individuals should not wait until the end of the 28 days to make a Universal Credit claim and have received guidance to encourage them to apply for Universal Credit as soon as they receive a decision on their asylum claim. The first regular Universal Credit payment is usually made around five weeks after the claim is made. New claimants, including refugees, who need financial support before the end of their first assessment period can apply for a Universal Credit advance as soon as their ID and immigration status is verified. This will mean that they may be able to receive payments within the 28-day move-on period. This is an advance of up to 100% of their total expected award, which is paid back over a period of up to 24 months.

Employment Services: Rural Areas

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the provision of employability services in rural areas.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Jobcentre Plus employer and partnership leads work closely with local employers and providers to understand labour market needs and to ensure provision is available to address skills gaps, and that the delivery of local employment support services is tailored to the needs of communities, alongside our national support offer. For example, our successful Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) combines work experience, job specific training and a guaranteed interview to support claimants into local vacancies. Every Jobcentre Plus district has a place-based plan that uses local knowledge, experience, and insight to shape the services and activities in the area, in collaboration with local employers and partners. This includes taking account of the needs of claimants living in rural communities to access employment support services and vacancies, such as any barriers around travel and how these might be overcome.

Social Security

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to rebuild the social security system.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Universal Credit is a modern, flexible benefit which is replacing six benefits. The six benefits being replaced all have complex and inefficient systems based on aging, inflexible IT. Universal Credit uses a modern, digital system which stood up to the test of Covid-19 where it quickly ensured three million new claimants were protected from the financial impact of the pandemic. Universal Credit reduces the complexity of the working age benefits system and removes the distinction between in work and out-of-work support. Work incentives are improved by introducing a smoother, more transparent reduction of benefits at a consistent and predictable rate when people move into work and increase their earnings. In March we published Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper which sets out our ambitious plans to transform the health and disability benefits system for the future so it focuses on what people can do rather than on what they cannot.

Asylum

Lord German: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have expanded the capacity of the Department of Work and Pensions to provide local support to refugees who have been given asylum recently as a result of thebacklog of applications being cleared.

Lord German: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have expanded the capacity of the Department of Work and Pensions to provide local support to refugees who,as a consequence of the backlog of applications being cleared, have recently been given asylum.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: Work Coaches have access to information on a range of services and support available in their local area for vulnerable claimants, including refugees. We also have access to a range of translation services to assist, should a claimant need support to overcome any language barriers. Work Coaches receive training to help them build supportive relationships with claimants, including refugees, encouraging them to openly discuss any barriers, concerns, or problems as they emerge. Work Coaches will provide tailored employment support to meet their customer’s needs. They utilise a wide range of tools to ensure that we are providing intensive employment support to these customers. This includes the use of Flexible Support Fund, Sector based work academy programme, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Jobs Fairs, collaboration with local partners and Group Information Sessions. Claimants can also give permission to share their UC account journal with support workers. The opportunity to combine face to face contact with on-line support has helped alleviate some of the communication barriers within legacy benefits which were traditionally more reliant on telephone and written forms of communications. Work Coaches can also use the on-line account to remind claimants of any information needed in order to ensure that their claim is processed smoothly. More generally, we are increasing capacity in our Decision Making teams, during both this and the next quarter, to help meet demand for benefit decisions.

Ministry of Justice

Human Trafficking: Prosecutions

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government how many successful prosecutions of people-smugglers there have been in England and Wales in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Detainees: Children

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government how many unaccompanied children have been held at (1) HMP Elmley, Kent, and (2) other adult prisons over the last year, including those determined to be children after local authority age assessments.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prison Officers: Training

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what(1) training, and (2) continuing professional development, is provided to prison officers in relation to prisoners serving sentences of imprisonment for public protection.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Juries

Lord Norton of Louth: To ask His Majesty's Government when the loss of earnings allowance for those on jury service was last increased; and what plans they have, if any, to increase the allowance to bring it into line with the national minimum wage.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prison Officers: Training

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what(1) training, and (2) continuing professional development, is provided to prison officers who have been newly recruited.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prison Officers: Training

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government what(1) training, and (2) continuing professional development, is provided to prison officers in relation to (a) young offenders, and (b) young adult prisoners under the age of 25.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Bellamy on 21 September (HL10037), how manyfemale genital mutilation protection orders have been breached since 2018; and what steps they have taken in response to those breaches.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prisons: Domestic Visits

Lord Lee of Trafford: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Neville-Rolfe on 25 September (HL10042), whether the Ministry of Justice or HM Prison and Probation Service keep a record of how many times a Prime Minister has visited one of His Majesty's prisons since 2010, and in which years.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prisoners' Transfers

Lord Blunkett: To ask His Majesty's Government, for the period from 1 April to 30 September, how many recommendations from the Parole Board to transfer prisoners to open conditions were (1) approved, and (2) rejected.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Forced Marriage: Children

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington: To ask His Majesty's Government how many child marriage convictions there were in the UK each year between 2018 and 2022 inclusive.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prisons: Pepper Spray

Lord Bradley: To ask His Majesty's Government how many times PAVA spray has been (1) drawn, and (2) drawn and deployed, in prisons in England and Wales since 1 April 2019.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Youth Justice: Social Services

The Lord Bishop of Derby: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their estimation of the number of care-experienced young people in contact with the youth justice system.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Prisons: Pepper Spray

Lord Bradley: To ask His Majesty's Government how many prisoners in England and Wales have been subject to (1) the drawing, and (2) the drawing and deployment, of PAVA spray since 1 April 2019 by (a) age, (b) ethnicity, (c) religion and (d) disability.

Lord Bellamy: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Artificial Intelligence

Lord Holmes of Richmond: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage public participation in questions around the use of AI and its impact on society, what role citizens assemblies might play in those plans, and how the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation will be involved.

Viscount Camrose: In 2021 the Government published its National AI Strategy – a 10-year vision to make the UK an AI superpower by investing in our ecosystem, driving adoption of AI across sectors, and ensuring we get the governance of AI right. The strategy recognised that public trust and support in government’s approach to and use of AI was crucial to maximise its opportunities and value, whilst minimising its risks.To develop the Strategy, the Government ran an open survey through the Alan Turing Institute. The survey received over 400 responses, in addition to having engaged over 250 organisations and businesses across different sectors.The Government also ran a consultation to inform the AI regulation white paper, published this year. We heard from over 400 individuals and organisations, with a wide range of views represented including regulators, industry, academia, and civil society. The Government has also engaged regulators, businesses, start-ups, research groups, trade unions, charities and advocacy groups through roundtables and workshops. In advance of Government’s AI Summit to be held this month, DSIT has engaged broadly with stakeholders to ensure voices and views of diverse groups and individuals have helped to shape the Summit’s focus. This included four official pre-Summit events with the Royal Society, the British Academy, techUK and The Alan Turing Institute as well as public Q&As on X and twitter.We will continue to engage with the public to inform our approach to drive responsible innovation in AI including through the work of the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI). The CDEI’s Public Attitudes team conducts an ongoing programme of quantitative and qualitative research to engage the public on AI. This has recently included focus groups and deliberative dialogues with diverse groups to understand public attitudes towards the use of AI in society. CDEI also conducts a large-scale annual survey which monitors public attitudes to data-driven technology and AI, the latest wave of which will be published in November this year. CDEI disseminates the findings from its research widely, and the insight is used across government, academia and the private sector to help ensure trustworthy approaches to AI.

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright: Codes of Practice

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government when the voluntary code of practice on copyright and AI will be introduced.

Viscount Camrose: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Arts: Artificial Intelligence and Copyright

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on artists and creatives of the use of temporary copying exemptions by companies to ingest copyrighted materials into their AI systems.

Viscount Camrose: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Entertainers: Copyright and Artificial Intelligence

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government whether in their forthcoming voluntary code of practice on copyright and AI, originating performers' rights will be protected by live and simulated performers being treated in the same way.

Viscount Camrose: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Entertainers: Artificial Intelligence

The Earl of Clancarty: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce legislation to clarify and ensure the rights of originating performers of simulated performances generated by AI.

Viscount Camrose: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member

Employment: Artificial Intelligence

Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park will address risks to workers posed by the spread of AI in the workplace, including regarding decisions on hire and fire, intrusive surveillance and potential increased discrimination; what plans they have to consider regulatory protections in the UK similar to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act; how they plan to ensure that workers' voice, concerns and ideas for solutions will be heard at the summit; and what plans they have to invite a representative from the Trade Union Congress to the summit.

Viscount Camrose: The AI Safety Summit will focus on frontier risks posed by the most advanced AI systems. It will bring together key countries, as well as leading technology companies, academia and civil society, to drive targeted, rapid international action to drive safety at the frontier of this technology. The Summit will seek to advance international collaboration to understand, identify and mitigate frontier AI risks.While the Summit is not focused on AI’s impact on the labour market and workers’ rights, these wider societal risks that AI, both at the frontier and not, can pose are issues the UK government takes extremely seriously at the highest levels. We are grateful for the engagement we have had to date from trade union representatives and the analysis they have shared, and we look forward to continuing that engagement after the Summit. On regulatory protections, the AI regulation white paper was published in March this year. It set out five high-level principles that regulators should consider when thinking about AI: Safety and Security; Appropriate Transparency; Fairness; Accountability and Governance; and Contestability and Redress. On fairness, the White Paper set out that AI systems should not undermine the legal rights of individuals or organisations, discriminate unfairly against individuals, or create unfair market outcomes. The white paper proposed that regulators will need to ensure that AI systems in their domain are designed, deployed and used considering descriptions of fairness that they have developed for their remits. We expect that the implementation of fairness by existing regulators will be underpinned by existing law that protects against discrimination such as the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 as well as data protection, consumer and competition law. Where AI might challenge someone’s human rights in the workplace, the UK has a strong system of legislation and enforcement of these protections, using both state and individual enforcement through specialist labour tribunals. The UK notes the EU Artificial Intelligence Act with interest and highlights the importance of international cooperation and interoperability across AI governance approaches to ensure a global approach to responsible AI. While the EU are taking a statutory approach to AI regulation, the UK’s regulatory approach will be closely monitoring the impact of existing regulation on the wider ecosystem and we will consider whether further interventions are needed. We believe this approach strikes the right balance between responding to risks and maximising opportunities afforded by AI.

Malaria: Vaccination

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing to UK life sciences and investment in the innovation pipeline to build on recent successes such as the development of a malaria vaccine by the Oxford-based Jenner Institute.

Viscount Camrose: The UK has an exceptional life sciences sector, and the UK Government is committed to supporting it. We work closely with industry, including through strategic partnerships, such as the 10-year partnership with Moderna and strategic collaboration with BioNTech, delivering innovation to UK patients. Following the Life Sciences Vision launched in 2022, we announced in May a further £650m to drive growth and bring innovative treatments to the NHS, including £121m to improve commercial clinical trials, £48m for a new biomanufacturing fund, and £154m to increase the capacity of the UK Biobank.

Artificial Intelligence: Innovation and Research

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their announcement on 14 June pledging £31 million tocreate a UK and international research and innovation ecosystem for responsible and trustworthyAI, what progress they have made in this area.

Viscount Camrose: £31M is being invested into ‘RAI UK’ (Responsible AI UK), a consortium that is conducting and funding research into responsible AI, which launched in June of this year. RAI UK’s partners include the University of Southampton, University College London, King’s College London and the University of Cambridge and a range of government agencies, multilateral organisations and technology companies. Their focus areas include: creating a responsible AI ecosystem; consolidating activities of a diverse set of organisations; funding research and innovation including tackling fundamental challenges; linking established research teams and accelerating existing research; developing ‘Responsible AI Skills’—cross-disciplinary skills beyond the technical; and policy and public engagement aspirations, including conducting public attitudes and expert surveys into AI risk. Since their launch, RAI UK has awarded £1.5m to accelerate the impact of existing responsible AI research and has announced £1m of funding to develop international partnerships with world-leading organisations.

Artificial Intelligence: Finance

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to provide additional funding for the development of AI.

Viscount Camrose: Through the National AI Strategy, the Government is committed to continued investment in the AI ecosystem to make sure they have the skills and infrastructure needed to maintain our position of global leadership, drive adoption of AI through all sectors and regions, and get the governance of AI right.We have invested over £2.5bn into the AI ecosystem since 2014, and made further commitments this year including £900m for an exascale supercomputer and an AI Research Resource. This has led to investment in the Bristol-based Isambard-AI supercomputing facility, which will be a cornerstone of the AI Research Resource and one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, as well as the selection of Edinburgh as the home of the new exascale facility. In March, the Government confirmed, via UK Research and Innovation, an additional £117 million for Centres for Doctoral Training in AI to deliver thousands more research PhDs, which comes on top of the £100m already allocated in 2018; £80M for up to eight consortia-based hubs that will deliver world-class fundamental research including in responsible AI, and in April launched the £100m BridgeAI programme, to help drive AI adoption in low-AI-maturity sectors. The Government also announced the Frontier AI Taskforce, with £100m startup funding, to help ensure the UK is at the forefront of AI safety research, with the biggest concentration globally of leading frontier AI researchers and experts working with government.

Department for Transport

Official Cars: Electric Vehicles

Baroness Parminter: To ask His Majesty's Government how many of the official cars used by Cabinet Members are electric, including those for the Prime Minister.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Prime Minister and many Cabinet members are entitled to protection; this service is provided by the Metropolitan Police. One member has their own arrangement for transport with a private hire company. The Department for Transport does not hold information on the cars they are provided with. The Government Car Service (GCS) provides a Departmental Pool Car service to Departments as a shared resource. The remaining members that attend Cabinet will have access to cars provided by GCS including battery electric and petrol electric hybrid models.

Railways: Fares

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to introduce a pilot scheme to abolish peak-time railway fares, similar to that introduced by ScotRail with funding from the Scottish Government.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are no current plans to introduce a pilot scheme to abolish peak time railway fares in England. Peak and off-peak fares are an important tool to manage demand and alleviate crowding on peak time services by encouraging those who can travel off-peak to do so. In recent years, we have introduced several initiatives to support passengers and improve affordability of rail. We have successfully launched flexible season tickets to support commuters’ return to the rail following the pandemic. We have also saved a generation of passengers a third off their fares through the 16-17 and 26-30 Railcards and went even further in November 2020 by extending these savings to former servicemen and women through a new Veterans Railcard. We are now rolling out single leg pricing to most of London North Eastern Railway’s (LNER’s) network following a successful trial. We will carefully consider the impacts of expanding single leg pricing to most of LNER’s network before taking decisions on any wider extension.

High Speed 2 Line: Land

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of using surplus HS2 land for establishing wildlife corridors and enhancing biodiversity.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Any property acquired for HS2 that is no longer required will be sold, and a programme is being developed to do this. No assessment has yet been made of whether surplus HS2 land can or should be used for establishing wildlife corridors and enhancing biodiversity.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what are their plans for continuing the HS2 Phase 1 line from Old Oak Common to Euston, including how many new platforms are planned for Euston; whatrole Network Rail willplay in the overall station planning, track and train timetables design; what is the latest estimated cost of the tunnel and station works from Old Oak Common to Euston; and how this will be financed.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: As set out in Network North, the Government remains committed to delivering HS2 between Birmingham and Euston in central London as planned. The station will comprise 6-platforms that can accommodate the trains we will run to Birmingham and onwards. No decisions have been made on the train service that will run when HS2 opens from Euston. These will be made in due course, taking advice from West Coast Partnership Development, HS2 Ltd and Network Rail, and will be subject to consultation. The scope and cost estimates for this section of the route are subject to review following the announcement. As set out in Network North, we will appoint a development company to manage the delivery of the station and will harness the future growth that the station will unleash to support its development, to ensure we get the best possible value for the British taxpayer and ensure that funding is underpinned by contributions from those people and businesses its development supports.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the cancellation of Phase 2 of HS2, how many HS2 trains will be able to operate fromLondon Eustonper hour, and what their destinationswill be.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: No decisions have been made on the train service that will run when HS2 opens from Euston. These will be made in due course, taking advice from West Coast Partnership Development, HS2 Ltd and Network Rail, and will be subject to consultation.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government, what changes to design and construction contracts for HS2 are planned following the cancellation of Phase 2; and what will be the likely resulting changes for the overall costs of the project.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department is working with HS2 Ltd and its supply chain to establish the cost implications of the decision not to build Phase 2. This work will include consideration of any necessary changes to HS2 Ltd’s contracts with its supply chain.

High Speed 2 Line: Land

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the announced cancellation of phase 2 of HS2, how much has been spent on the purchase of land for phase 2 of HS2 that is no longer necessary.

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government how much has been spent on the purchase of land for HS2 that is no longer necessary.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: As of September 2023, £208m has been spent on land and property on Phase 2a and £356m on Phase 2b. Any property that is no longer required will be sold and a programme is being developed to do this.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what changes they plan to make to the management and governance of HS2 Ltd following comments about the company by the Prime Minister regarding management in respect of HS2 Phase 1 in general and, in particular, the Old Oak Common to Euston section.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Secretary of State has met with the HS2 Ltd Board to hold it to account on its plan to deliver HS2 from London Euston to Birmingham to cost and schedule, and will continue to do so. The Department is now in discussion with HM Treasury on strengthening the governance of the programme and reinforcing the leadership of HS2 Ltd, under Sir Jon Thompson.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what was the total cost spent on the (1) planning, (2) acquisition of land, and (3) work, onthose sections of the HS2 which are now cancelled.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Regular updates on HS2, including spend to date are provided in the HS2 six-monthly report to Parliament. The last report was published in June 2023 and the next one will be published in due course. The Department is working with HS2 Ltd and its supply chain to assess the cost implications as a result of the cancellation of HS2 Phases 2a and 2b (both Western and Eastern Legs, including HS2 East).

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Storey: To ask His Majesty's Government what will happen to any land that was compulsorily purchased for HS2.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Any land and property that is no longer required for HS2 will be sold, and a programme is being developed to do this. We will set out further detail on these next steps, and will engage in full with those communities who are affected as we do.

Railways: North of England

Baroness Pinnock: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the transport infrastructure plan known as Network North includes the intent to electrify the whole of the Trans-Pennine line (1) from Liverpool to Hull, (2) and from Liverpool to Newcastle.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Yes, this is the case.

High Speed 2 Line: Costs

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government who were the accounting officers for HS2 and the Department for Transport in (1) March 2014, (2) January 2016, (3) April 2016, and (4) July 2019; when they were made aware ofallegations of deceptions and fraud as reported in the Sunday Times on 22 October; and on which dates and to whom in Government they reported any concerns about cost overrun.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Accounting Officers at HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport were as follows:HS2 LtdAlison Munro (January 2009 – September 2014)Simon Kirby (September 2014 – December 2016)Roy Hill (December 2016 – March 2017)Mark Thurston (March 2017 – September 2023)Sir Jonathan Thompson (September 2023 - Present) DfTSir Robert Devereux (2007 - December 2011)Dame Linda Margaret Homer (December 2011 – March 2012)Sir Philip McDougall Rutnam (March 2012 – April 2017)Dame Bernadette Kelly (April 2017 – Present) The Government and its public bodies take any allegations raised seriously and will ensure they are thoroughly investigated.The National Audit Office (NAO) examined historic allegations in 2018 and determined that these were unfounded. There is one new allegation which relates to a live whistleblowing investigation by HS2 Ltd. It would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation is ongoing.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any,to set up an independent inquiry to review HS2 Phase 1, to either (1) reduce costs, or (2) investigate options for integrating HS2 Phase 1 into the existing Network Rail system.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Following the Prime Minister’s Network North announcement and the changes to the scope of the HS2 programme, HS2 Ltd is working closely with the department to identify further cost reduction options. Officials will continue to assess opportunities to maximise the benefits of the scheme and its integration with the wider rail network.  As set out in point 26 of the Network North: Transforming British Transport, we are making changes quickly and decisively so the remainder of HS2 is delivered as cost effectively as possible.

Motorcycles: Licensing

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to simplify the licensing regime for mopeds, motorcycles and other forms of powered light vehicle (PLV) within the current parliament.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are no current plans to make changes to the driver licensing regime for these vehicles.

Cars: Diesel and Petrol

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure they are prepared to implement the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The introduction of the world-leading zero emission vehicle mandate will support the future supply of zero emission vehicles, by setting a minimum percentage of manufacturer’s new car and van sales to be zero emission each year from 2024. To facilitate the transition to zero emission vehicles, the Government is also working with industry to increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. The Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy sets out the steps being taken to support the deployment of these chargepoints across the country.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government why advice from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority that "The project (HS2) will remain fundamentally flawed unless transparency and frankness is provided to the true level of uncertainty and confidence variations of time, cost and benefits", as reported in the Sunday Times on 22 October, was not provided to Parliament before it approved authorisation for Phase 1 of HS2

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: On 11 February 2020, the then Prime Minister announced that the Government intended to proceed with HS2. This decision was made having considered the conclusions of the Independent Review of HS2, led by Douglas Oakervee, and an accounting officer assessment that demonstrated the ongoing compliance of the programme with HM Treasury managing public money guidance. This assessment followed four previous assessments undertaken at regular intervals in 2019. Since the HS2 Phase 1 Notice-to-Proceed decision, comprehensive governance arrangements have been put in place to increase Ministerial oversight, transparency, and accountability of the HS2 project. Since October 2020, the Department has published six-monthly reports to Parliament, while the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s Annual Report includes assessments on HS2. HS2 Ltd is held to account in several ways, including through a monthly Sponsor Board meeting that oversees the company’s performance and reviews the latest Management Information. HS2 Ltd’s Board was also strengthened with new Non-Executive Directors, including a representative from the Department for Transport. The National Audit Office has published multiple reports examining the delivery of HS2, and the programme is scrutinised by Parliament on a regular basis.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what legal process they plan to follow to cancel HS2 Phase 2A; whether theyplan to introduce legislation to repeal the High Speed Rail (West Midlands- Crewe) Act 2021; and what Phase 2A’s cancellation means for the undertakings and assurances given during the passage of the High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department will ensure that the process to ensure the orderly and safe cessation of activities on Phase 2a is regular and proper as set out in the Permanent Secretary’s Accounting Officer Assessment. There are no immediate plans to introduce legislation to repeal the High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Act 2021. The Department and HS2 Ltd will review all Undertakings and Assurances given and will consider what steps, if any, are required to manage them on a case-by-case basis.

High Speed 2 Line: Cost Effectiveness

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they provide concerning the criteria for approval of major infrastructure projects, in particular on the economic benefit to cost ratio; what advice they received from the consultancy OXERA concerning the projected benefit cost ration for HS2; what action they took in response to that advice; and what changes they required HS2 Ltd to make in order to improve this benefit to cost ratio.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: All major infrastructure projects are required to follow the HMT five-case model as outlined in the business case guidance for projects and programmes. The Department for Transport uses a Value for Money Framework to inform its investment decisions. The Oakervee Review of HS2 commissioned Oxera to carry out sensitivity analysis on the business case for HS2. The outcome of the Oxera analysis is set out in the published Oakervee Review.

Aviation: Cyprus

Lord Hannan of Kingsclere: To ask His Majesty's Government on what grounds direct flights between the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are currently prohibited whilst flights to Taiwan are permitted; and what plans they have, if any, to review these in order to facilitate direct flights from the UK to the TRNC.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government recognises the inconvenience caused to passengers by the situation regarding air travel from the north of Cyprus to the UK. Under the Chicago Convention, only the Republic of Cyprus may designate Ercan airport as an international customs airport and grant permission for flights to operate from within its territory. It has not done so. As such, those travelling from Ercan airport to Turkey and then onwards to the UK do so on two distinctly separate flights. To do otherwise would be contrary to the UK’s obligations under the Chicago Convention. This means that no direct air services between the north of Cyprus and the UK can take place. Ultimately, a just and lasting settlement on the island is the best chance of resolving these complex issues. The UK’s commitment to helping the sides achieve this remains unwavering. It is not relevant to compare Taiwan and the north of Cyprus given that the Chinese authorities have designated a number of airports in Taiwan as international customs airports.

Taxis: Disability

Baroness Thomas of Winchester: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their timetable for introducinglegislation on disability awareness training for taxi and Private HireVehicle drivers.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department is committed to introducing legislation to enable the setting of national standards in taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, which will include disability awareness training for drivers, when Parliamentary time allows.

High Speed 2 Line: Construction

Lord Grocott: To ask His Majesty's Government how much money has been spent to date on the Manchester leg of HS2.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Spending up to and including February 2023 was reported in the Department’s last HS2 report to Parliament in June 2023. Updated figures will be provided in the Department’s next six-monthly report on HS2.

Railways: Disability

Baroness Thomas of Winchester: To ask His Majesty's Government whether their plans to make using the Passenger Assistance service easier for disabled people are compatible with plans for closing booking offices at rail stations.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Together with industry, we want to improve and modernise the passenger experience by moving staff out from ticket offices to provide more help and advice in customer focused roles. No currently staffed station will be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, and train operators will ensure staff are well located to meet passenger needs in future. The Passenger Bodies are currently considering the proposals. Safety and accessibility remain a top priority. The Passenger Assist service will continue to help disabled passengers, and those with additional needs, to use the rail network with confidence and in safety. Since April 2022, passengers have been able to pre-book their assistance up to two hours in advance of their journey, at any time of the day.

Aviation: Reform

Baroness Thomas of Winchester: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to theReforming aviation consumer policy: protecting air passenger rights consultation, which ran from 31 January to 27 March 2022, what is their timetable for taking forward those reforms.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department published its response to the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation on 27 June 2023. This set out legislative and non-legislative measures Government will take forward for air passenger rights. This included removing the compensation cap for damaged wheelchairs on domestic UK flights, giving the CAA additional enforcement powers and improving complaint handling. Legislative reforms will be taken forward when parliamentary time allows, and in the meantime, we intend to work with industry and stakeholders to continue to drive improvements for aviation consumers.

Avanti West Coast: Standards

Baroness Randerson: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Avanti about that company's plans toreduce services between London, Birmingham, Manchester and North Wales from December; whether they were aware of those reductionswhen they awarded the company a new nine year contract for the franchise; and if they were, whether they requiredAvanti to make those service reductions as part of the contract.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Planned timetable reductions, between 10 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, were agreed in accordance with the requirements set out in Avanti’s contract. These temporary changes are necessary to ensure that Avanti can provide a more reliable service for its passengers and to minimise unplanned, short-notice cancellations. It is expected that service levels will be fully restored in the new year.

High Speed 2 Line: Compensation

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what legal process they plan to follow to cancel the HS2 Phase 2B West (Crewe to Manchester) and whether there are any plans for petitioners to be compensated for legal costs incurred.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Government is currently considering the next steps for the High-Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill, including for outstanding petitioners. When decisions have been reached, we will set out these steps to the House in the usual way.

Air Traffic Control: Greater London

Lord Trefgarne: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the efficacy of the arrangements for controlling air traffic with the UK's airspace, further to the recentdisruptionto the London Flight Information Region.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government regrets the recent air traffic control issues and the impact these have had on airlines and their customers. NATS has an outstanding aviation safety record and is regulated against service targets which are set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It is important that we await the findings of the independent review which the CAA has announced into the technical failure which impacted NATS systems on 28 August 2023 and that any recommendations from this are responded to accordingly. My officials have and will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate any disruption to air traffic control services, recognising that the safety of the operation must always be the paramount consideration for air navigation service providers.

Port of London Authority

Lord Cashman: To ask His Majesty's Government to whichdepartment the Port of London Authority is accountable, and whether its annual accounts are publicly available.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Port of London Authority (PLA) is a Trust Port. Trust Ports are independent organisations that are both strategically and financially independent of Government. They are accountable to stakeholders including port users, local communities and Government and are led by an independent board.The Secretary of State for Transport is required under the PLA’s enabling legislation to appoint the Chair of the PLA and one to three Non-Executive Directors. The appointees’ duty is to pursue the interests of the port. The Department for Transport (DfT) has no powers to direct the Board members.All harbour authorities in the UK, regardless of their ownership model, act independently of central government and have their own legal responsibilities established through local Acts of Parliament. In relation to the PLA under the PLA Act 1968, there are certain rights of appeal to the Secretary of State, for example in relation to the setting of statutory charges and licensing decisions.The DfT is responsible for overseeing the legislative framework for ports and harbours and the governance of ports. We expect all ports to adhere to the Ports Good Governance Guidance, published in 2018.PLA is the only Trust Port that is obliged under their statutory legislation to submit their annual report and accounts on a yearly basis to Parliament. The accounts are laid as an Act Paper in both the House of Commons and House of Lords and can be found in the Parliamentary Library. They are also published on the PLA’s website and the 2022 report can be found here: https://www.pla.co.uk/Media-Centre/Annual-Report-and-Accounts-2022

A303: Dual Carriageways

Lord Patten: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of their progress in completing the project to create a dual carriage way on the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Dualling scheme started construction in September 2021. National Highways is now planning to Open for Traffic in Winter 2024/2025.

High Speed 2 Line

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofthe effect on climate change goals of the cancellation of the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The cancellation of HS2 between the West Midlands and Manchester does not change our ambition to achieve the Government’s stated climate targets and objectives, and the Government remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

High Speed 2 Line: Land

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to remove the safeguarding protections from land or properties covered by HS2 Phases 2A and 2B; whether they will offer any acquired properties or land back for sale to previous owners and, if so, at what price; and what steps they will take to remedy any HS2-related work that has already commenced on any such land or properties.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Phase 2a safeguarding will be formally lifted in weeks and Phase 2b safeguarding will be amended by the summer of next year, to allow for any safeguarding needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail. In the meantime, we will take steps to begin to lift the blighting effect of HS2 in areas where safeguarding is going to be lifted. Where any land or property has been acquired compulsorily or via statutory blight and is no longer required, it will be sold subject to the Crichel Down Rules. These require government departments, under certain circumstances, to offer back surplus land to the former owner or the former owner’s successors at the current market value. All land and property will be assessed prior to disposal.

High Speed 2 Line: Accountancy

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government who were the accounting officers responsible for HS2 at (1) the Department for Transport, and (2) HS2 Ltd, for the period from 1 January 2009 to the present.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Accounting Officers at the Department for Transport and Chief Executives at HS2 Ltd from 1 January 2009 to the present are as follows: HS2 LtdAlison Munro CBE (January 2009 – September 2014)Simon Kirby (September 2014 – December 2016)Roy Hill (December 2016 – March 2017)Mark Thurston (March 2017 – September 2023)Sir Jonathan Thompson (September 2023 - Present) DfTSir Robert Devereux KCB (2007 - December 2011)Dame Linda Margaret Homer DCB (December 2011 – March 2012)Sir Philip McDougall Rutnam KCB (March 2012 – April 2017)Dame Bernadette Kelly DCB (April 2017 – Present)

Hammersmith Bridge: Closures

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to Written Answers byBaroness Vere of Norbiton on 29 September (HL10314) and 11 October (HL10459), what assessment they have made of (1) the impact of the closure of Hammersmith Bridge on traffic in south-west London, and (2) the reasons for the length of the closure; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the bridge is opened to traffic again as soon as possible.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Hammersmith Bridge is owned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF), and therefore the responsibility for maintaining the bridge, and making decisions on its repair, lies with the borough. As the asset owner and project lead, it is for LBHF to make any assessments regarding the impact of the closure of the Bridge on traffic in south-west London. The Borough is also responsible for making any decisions in response to safety issues that may arise on Hammersmith Bridge, including restricting access to certain forms of transport. The next step to the permanent safe reopening of the bridge to all users lies with LBHF. The Borough and its technical advisors have been continuing to work on the production of an Outline Business Case for the required Strengthening Works, which is a condition for the release of any further Government contribution to the cost of repairing the bridge.

Shipping: Passengers

Lord Berkeley: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of whether service operators of vessels at UK ports should be able to deny boarding to any person representing a potential or actual business competitor of that operator.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Service operators decide the conditions on which their services are provided. Operators including general passenger vessels are subject to relevant consumer and anti-discrimination law, which their terms of business should comply with.

Railways: Costs

Lord Grocott: To ask His Majesty's Government, further tothe cancellation of the Manchester leg of HS2, whether they will list the proposed new rail schemes, indicating in each case (1) the estimated cost, and (2) the estimated date of completion.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The full list of rail infrastructure schemes has been published on gov.uk and can be found by searching for the title ‘Network North: transforming British transport’. Officials are in the early stages of planning, including delivery timelines and estimated costs, for these schemes and are working closely with Network Rail and other partners to develop and deliver these Government priorities. All schemes will be subject to the development and approval of business cases and will undergo all formal governance, in line with relevant fiscal and legal duties.

Railway Stations: Worcestershire

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the usage figures for Worcestershire Parkway station, published on 8 September, which showed that despite the COVID-19 pandemic a volume of journeys from the station had been reached that was not expected to have been achieved for another 11 years, what assessment they have made of the continued need for the Department for Transport to use Transport Analysis Guidance monitoring systems for assessing the likely value of new railway stations.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The business case for Worcestershire Parkway forecasted a range of demand scenarios to account for uncertainty around the modelling. These included different assumptions on external events, expectations for housing growth and level of abstraction from surrounding stations. We are due to receive a report on the station’s performance from Worcester County Council. We will work through the findings on the differences between the forecasted demand and actual performance and use this to help inform future stations appraisals. The Transport Analysis Guidance continues to be recommended best practice for transport appraisal. We recognise the analytical challenges associated with forecasting demand for new stations, and valuing the benefits they bring. Following research carried out by Leeds ITS for Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), published on their websites research catalogue as "Rail Openings Appraisal (COF-ECO-ROA)", we are reviewing our guidance in this area and plan to bring forward improvements to it in future.

Railways: Standards

Lord Bradshaw: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 27 September (HL10352), what plans they have in concluding future negotiations with train providers to bear a proportion of the costs that train operators face as a consequence of failing to provide quality service to rail customers.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There are currently no plans to negotiate any variations to the Intercity Express Programme’s contracts with Agility to extend the incentive regime. The contracted arrangements for instances where full service provision is not offered are contained in the existing contracts, as articulated in previous responses.

High Speed 2 Line: Land

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have for land purchased for HS2 that is no longer necessary.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Any land and property that is no longer required will be sold, and a programme is being developed to do this.

Hamas: Demonstrations

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government whether any bodyauthorised the temporary erection of a structure in the highway adjacent to the Cenotaph duringthe demonstration held on14 October, and if so under what power.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Decisions on the authorisation of temporary structures on the highway is entirely a matter for Westminster City Council as the local highway authority.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Media: Gaza

Lord Shinkwin: To ask His Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made to media outlets about the potential consequences for the safety of the UK's Jewish community of attributing responsibility for the strike on the Al-Alhi hospital before the facts have been established.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: His Majesty’s Government takes any threat to the safety of Jewish people in the UK extremely seriously, and stands strongly against antisemitism in all its forms.The attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel since 7 October are terrorist acts, committed by a terrorist organisation which has been proscribed in the United Kingdom since 2021 and designated as such by many other governments and international organisations.On the misattribution of responsibility for the strike on the Al-Alhi hospital, as the Prime Minister said in his statement to the House of Commons on 23 October, “the misreporting of this incident had a negative effect in the region – including on a vital US diplomatic effort – and on tensions here at home. We need to learn the lessons and ensure that in future there is no rush to judgement.”Whilst respecting the editorial independence of the media, the Government has been clear that media organisations should reflect on their coverage and learn lessons for the future.

Business: Voluntary Work

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask His Majesty's Government what encouragement they are providing to businesses to promote and encourage volunteering amongst employees.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: His Majesty’s Government recognises how vital volunteering is for society, reaping benefits for those who volunteer as well as the organisations they assist. The Government aims to remove barriers which prevent people from getting involved.HM Government wants to see employers develop their own strong corporate responsibility programmes and to encourage businesses, the public sector and charities to consider the role that employer-supported volunteering can play as part of their impact on society.HM Government strongly encourages employers to consider offering volunteering leave as part of their employee benefits package. Employees have the right to reasonable time off work to carry out specified public duties, as established in Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Time off for other voluntary duties is a matter for individual employers as they balance their business needs.

Human Remains: Spaceflight

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision to fly ancient hominid remains into space, what assessment they have made of the case for strengthening protections for ancient hominid and human remains; and what discussions they have had, and intend to have, about reinforcing such protections internationally.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: Human remains less than 1,000 years old in UK museum collections are protected under the Human Remains Act 2004. The Act regulates the acquisition, storage, use and disposal of human bodies, organs and tissue. It also requires a licence for organisations holding and displaying human remains. This Act ensures that there is strong protection in place for human remains in UK museums.Museums are independent of HM Government and it is for the trustees of each museum to make decisions about their collections. However, we expect museums to exercise appropriate care for their collections including ancient hominid and human remains which are outwith the scope of the Human Remains Act 2004.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Ukraine: Armed Conflict

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the ecological damage caused by the war in Ukraine, and (2) how that damage contributes to the global ecological crisis; and how they are planning to address this at the upcoming COP 28 in December.

Lord Callanan: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the noble Lord.

Northern Ireland Office

Casement Park: Regeneration

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government, followingthe statement of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in May that the money to redevelop Casement Park will be found, whereis it envisaged suchmoney will be coming from.

Lord Caine: EURO 2028 will highlight the enduring strength of the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, through the unifying power of sport.The UK Government is working closely with local partners in Northern Ireland on plans to deliver EURO 2028 events and to make sure EURO 2028 leaves a lasting legacy of football for all.We will continue looking at those plans and business cases, to ensure we are making the best use of resources to support the success of EURO 2028. That is a process that will continue over this next period of preparations.The UK Government is, of course, very conscious of delivering the best use of taxpayer funds, particularly at a time of budget challenges in Northern Ireland.

Buckingham Group: Casement Park

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government what was the outcome of the due diligence exercise undertaken by the Gaelic Athletic Association and Stormont officials after one of the developers involved with Casement Park, the Buckingham Group, went intoadministration.

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government who will be replacing the Buckingham Group asa contractor working onthe redevelopment of Casement Park for the 2028 UEFA European Championship.

Lord Caine: Governance for the development of Casement Park, including matters regarding due diligence and the appointment of contractors, rests with the Northern Ireland Department for Communities and the Regional Stadia Development Programme Board. My department has no role in the Regional Stadium Development Board.

The Senior Deputy Speaker

House of Lords: Film

Lord Stevenson of Balmacara: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans the House of Lords has to provide a facility within the Palace of Westminster for Members to organise screenings of high-quality audio-visual work.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.